Author name: nenagency

Imaan Mazar, IHC Chief justice
National News

IHC Chief Justice Clarifies Remarks in Exchange with Imaan Mazar

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On Friday, Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a clarification concerning his alleged comments made during a conversation with prominent rights activist and attorney Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir the day before, stating that his statements were taken “out of context.” The exchange occurred during the hearing regarding the request to remove rights activist Mahrang Baloch’s name from the Exit Control List, during which Justice Dogar cautioned Mazari about potential contempt of court proceedings for allegedly labeling him a ‘dictator’. The issue was raised again in the context of another case. In addressing the matter, Justice Dogar remarked that Mazari was ‘just like a daughter to him’, and he was merely trying to explain things to her the previous day. ‘As the chief justice and an elder, I was attempting to help her understand.’ He further stated that his comments had been taken out of context, leading to ‘a storm brewing’. The IHC Chief Justice asserted that during his conversation with Mazari, he had indicated that while she was entitled to disagree with his decisions, she should refrain from making her criticisms personal. Additionally, it has been reported that during the exchange yesterday, Justice Dogar also addressed Mazari’s husband, Hadi Ali Chatha, saying: ‘Hadi sahib, make her understand; if I get hold of her someday…’ However, he clarified today that he did not imply anything about ‘getting hold of’ Mazari. ‘I did not say that I will get hold of her, [but] this [reported remark] has been circulating since yesterday. Hadi sahib was present [there], so I asked him to take her away or I would initiate contempt of court proceedings.’ He emphasized that if contempt of court proceedings were to occur, it would adversely affect Mazari’s career. The IHC Chief Justice then reiterated: ‘I was explaining to her just as I would to a child, but she was not comprehending. She was continuously referencing fundamental rights. Does this court not possess any fundamental rights?’ Mazari, known for her outspoken criticism of Pakistani authorities, posted on X following yesterday’s hearing that ‘it is crucial for CJ IHC to recognize that I am not activist Imaan Mazari in his court; I am a lawyer representing my client and conduct myself according to professional etiquette (and a court should do the same).’ She added that Mahrang Baloch…

Pakistan vs. Oman, Pakistan vs. Oman, Asia Cup 2025
Cricket, Sports

Pakistan Set for Match Against Unprepared Oman – Aisa cup 2025

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Almost every international or continental tournament includes a few participants who do not belong at that competitive level, yet they still compete. This disparity, often described as a boys-among-men scenario, can arise from various factors, with representation being a significant and justifiable reason. However, one might speculate that it also relates to some administrator’s belief that a larger tournament equates to a larger prize. Regardless of the underlying reason, Oman fits this unfortunate narrative perfectly. The current situation of this small cricket team, which was not particularly talented to begin with, is exemplified by their daunting challenge of facing Pakistan in both teams’ opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 on Friday in Dubai. This is a Pakistan team that has won the championship twice and recently overwhelmed Afghanistan — the self-proclaimed second-best team in Asia and perhaps even beyond — in the final of a tri-nation tournament. Moreover, this Pakistan team is in a position to drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan — both of whom rank among the top 10 run scorers in T20I cricket history — and still maintain a competitive edge. Furthermore, this Pakistan team presents such a stark contrast to Oman that any analysis or preview should not even focus on them. It would be akin to advising a prime Wasim Akram on how to play against a helmet-less seven-year-old child in overcast English conditions during the mid-90s. Analyzing Pakistan is unnecessary. Any combination of 11 players donning the green jersey should be able to secure a dominant victory. Whether it consists of eleven batters with no bowlers, six spinners and five wicketkeepers, or even a lineup made up of the support staff, it should suffice. In fact, coach Mike Hesson could open the batting for Pakistan, and they would still hold the advantage … at least on paper (more on this later). Almost every international or continental tournament includes a few participants who do not belong at that competitive level, yet they still compete. This disparity, often described as a boys-among-men scenario, can arise from various factors, with representation being a significant and justifiable reason. However, one might speculate that it also relates to some administrator’s belief that a larger tournament equates to a larger prize. Regardless of the underlying reason, Oman fits this unfortunate narrative perfectly. The current situation of this small cricket team, which was not particularly talented to begin with, is exemplified by their daunting challenge of facing Pakistan in both teams’ opening match of the Asia Cup 2025 on Friday in Dubai. This is a Pakistan team that has won the championship twice and recently overwhelmed Afghanistan — the self-proclaimed second-best team in Asia and perhaps even beyond — in the final of a tri-nation tournament. Moreover, this Pakistan team is in a position to drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan — both of whom rank among the top 10 run scorers in T20I cricket history — and still maintain a competitive edge. Furthermore, this Pakistan team presents such a stark contrast to Oman that any analysis or preview should not even focus on them. It would be akin to advising a prime Wasim Akram on how to play against a helmet-less seven-year-old child in overcast English conditions during the mid-90s. Analyzing Pakistan is unnecessary. Any combination of 11 players donning the green jersey should be able to secure a dominant victory. Whether it consists of eleven batters with no bowlers, six spinners and five wicketkeepers, or even a lineup made up of the support staff, it should suffice. In fact, coach Mike Hesson could open the batting for Pakistan, and they would still hold the advantage … at least on paper (more on this later). However, there is an interesting aspect regarding Pakistan. They possess a peculiar relationship with this ‘on-paper’ advantage. At times, what is expected to occur on paper does not materialize for them at all. They were, after all, humiliated by the United States in their opening match of the 2024 World Cup. The narrative and background of this Oman team indicate that they lack even the Buster Douglas-like opportunity that most of Pakistan’s opponents typically have. Pakistan’s decision would be to either field a full-strength team while keeping an eye on the highly anticipated match against India on Sunday, or to provide some lesser-used players with an opportunity. It is likely that they will opt for the former, but neither choice is expected to influence the final outcome. Selecting Hesson to open would be a wise decision, however.

Pakistan Army Kills 19 Suspected Militants in Northwestern Region
Military

Pakistan Army Kills 19 Suspected Militants in Northwestern Region

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On Thursday, the Pakistan army announced that it had eliminated 19 suspected militants during various operations conducted in northwestern Pakistan over the last two days. According to a statement from the military, at least 14 suspected militants were killed during a security operation in the Mohmand tribal district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province following a fierce exchange of gunfire. Additionally, five suspected militants were killed in two distinct operations in the volatile North Waziristan tribal district, which shares a border with Afghanistan and the Bannu district. The statement further noted that weapons and ammunition were seized from the deceased, who were reportedly engaged in multiple terrorist activities within these regions. Sanitization operations are currently underway in the area, as Pakistan’s security forces are resolute in their commitment to eradicate the threat of terrorism from the nation, the statement concluded. In recent years, Pakistan has experienced an increase in attacks targeting security forces, which it attributes to militants based in Afghanistan who are affiliated with Tehreek-Taliban Pakistan, a coalition of several banned groups. Kabul, however, denies these allegations.

China punishment, Xiaohongshu app, content violations, social media regulation, Chinese apps, tech news
International

China Imposes Punishment on Xiaohongshu App Over Content Violations

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On Thursday, China’s internet regulatory authority announced that it had mandated “warnings and strict penalties” for the executives of the widely used social media application Xiaohongshu due to its online content, criticizing posts deemed “trivial” and “negative.” A statement issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China indicated that “responsible individuals” at the Instagram-like platform would face penalties after Xiaohongshu, referred to as RedNote in English, did not “fulfil its main responsibility of content management.” No specifics regarding the punishments were provided. The statement condemned Xiaohongshu for allowing “numerous posts promoting celebrities’ personal affairs and trivial issues, along with other negative content that frequently appears on the hot search list.” It further stated, “A clear, clean, and healthy cyberspace is in the best interest of the people.” Xiaohongshu was established in Shanghai in 2013 and boasts hundreds of millions of monthly active users. The name translates literally to Little Red Book, but it does not refer to the book of quotations by Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong. In contrast to TikTok’s sister app Douyin or the micro-blogging platform Weibo, Xiaohongshu focuses significantly on apolitical content, including lifestyle, travel, beauty, and food topics. The “Explore” page of Xiaohongshu resembles TikTok’s “For You” page, with both being curated by algorithms that recommend content based on users’ interests and interactions on the respective platforms. Additionally, it functions as an online marketplace akin to TikTok Shop, where users can purchase items such as clothing, makeup, and accessories directly. It is perceived as relatively less censored compared to other platforms; users can be seen sharing LGBTQ content and discussing the advantages of women remaining single, subjects that are often deemed sensitive in China. Xiaohongshu has also popularized “da ka,” or “check-in” tourism, where travelers design itineraries around picturesque or trending locations specifically to capture photos for social media. Similar to Instagram and TikTok, the platform has also evolved into a center for influencers promoting sponsored products.

PM Shehbaz Leaves for Qatar
International, National News

PM Shehbaz Leaves for Qatar to Show Solidarity After Israeli Attack (FO)

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On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for Qatar to convey “solidarity and regional unity” following Israeli airstrikes that struck residential areas in Doha earlier this week, according to the Foreign Office (FO). On Tuesday, Israel conducted an airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, the capital of Qatar, thereby broadening its military operations across the Middle East to encompass the Gulf Arab nation where the Palestinian organization has maintained its political stronghold for an extended period. As reported by Hamas sources, the representatives of the group were struck while engaged in discussions regarding United States President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Qatar denounced the assault as “cowardly” and labeled it a blatant infringement of international law. According to a statement from the Foreign Office, “PM Shehbaz, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and a high-ranking delegation, will meet with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani today to express Islamabad’s condolences and support for the Gulf state.” The statement further emphasized, “The visit highlights Pakistan’s steadfast support for the security and sovereignty of Qatar, as well as its dedication to fostering peace and stability in the Middle East.” It continued, “The prime minister is scheduled to meet with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha to extend Pakistan’s heartfelt sympathies and support for the Qatari leadership and its people.” As reported by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan, their discussions “will also encompass consultations regarding Israel’s unjustified assaults on various nations in the region, its persistent aggression, and initiatives aimed at establishing peace in the area.” Doha and Egypt have played crucial roles in US-supported efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, working diligently to facilitate an agreement that would result in the release of prisoners from both sides. Qatar and Pakistan enjoy robust diplomatic relations, founded on their common faith and values. Earlier this month, the two nations reaffirmed their dedication to regional peace and stability during a meeting between Pakistan’s senior military official, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and the Qatari military leadership during his visit to Qatar.

Ashwariya Rai Bachan reached high court to safgaurd her likeness
Celebrities, Entertainment

Aishwarya Rai has approached the Delhi High Court regarding explicit AI-generated content that utilizes her likeness.

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Rai has requested the court to protect her name, voice, image, and distinctive style of dialogue delivery from exploitation. The Indian actress Aishwarya Rai has filed a petition with the Delhi High Court, seeking to prevent the misuse of her name, image, and likeness in AI-generated content that portrays her in sexually explicit manners, as reported by the nenagency. During the hearing of her petition on Tuesday, the court suggested the possibility of issuing a temporary order to prohibit platforms and individuals from using her identity without her consent. It also indicated that further instructions would be provided to remove links and content that infringe upon her rights. The actress stated that she has been subjected to altered, “unreal intimate photographs” that are being disseminated online. “Her name and image are being exploited to fulfill someone’s sexual desires. This is extremely unfortunate,” her attorney informed the court. The petition contends that numerous websites and platforms are unlawfully profiting from Rai’s likeness. Among the defendants listed are websites such as aishwaryaworld.com, apkpure.com, and bollywoodteeshop.com, the e-commerce platform Etsy, organizations like Aishwarya Nation Wealth Motivational Speaker, AI-driven chatbots, YouTube channels including NewNWSTamil and Bollywood_CinemaTV07, and even the technology giant Google. Indian governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Department of Telecommunications have also been included as parties in the case. The petition emphasizes that the application of deepfake technology to create and disseminate “distasteful” images not only constitutes a violation of her publicity rights, commonly referred to as personality rights, but also represents an affront to her dignity. Rai has urged the court to protect her name, voice, image, and signature style of dialogue delivery from misuse, particularly in what she has characterized as “unwholesome and unsavoury” manners. The issue has now been presented to the court’s joint registrar on November 7, with additional proceedings planned for January 15. Rai is not the first Bollywood celebrity to seek legal recourse regarding the unauthorized use of her likeness. In recent years, actors such as Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor have also turned to the courts to safeguard their personality rights from unauthorized commercial exploitation and misuse.

Chief_Minister_Ali_Amin_Gandapur
National News, Political Parties, Politics

Islamabad Court Issues Arrest Warrant for KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur in Arms & Liquor Case

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On Wednesday, a district and sessions court in Islamabad reissued an arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with an illegal arms and liquor case, following his failure to appear before the court. This case, which originated in October 2016, alleges that the PTI leader possessed illegal arms and liquor after the Islamabad police reported the recovery of five Kalashnikov rifles, a pistol, six magazines, a bulletproof vest, alcohol, and three tear gas shells from his vehicle outside Bani Gala. Gandapur has refuted the police’s claims, stating that he had two licensed Kalashnikov rifles and that the vehicle had a valid arms license. He also contended that the liquor bottle in question actually contained honey. As per the court order—a copy of which is accessible through Dawn.com—Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hassan Chishti instructed that the KP CM be arrested and brought before the court on September 17. The judge issued this order after no representative appeared on behalf of the KP chief minister. Subsequently, Gandapur’s attorney, Raja Zahoor-ul-Hassan, appeared in court and requested the suspension of the arrest warrant. In response, the judge remarked, “If you present the accused, I will withdraw the warrant,” and denied the request. The arrest warrant was issued under Sections 143 (punishment for joining unlawful assembly), 144 (joining unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapon), 145 (joining or continuing in unlawful assembly, knowing it has been commanded to disperse), and 440 (mischief committed after preparation made causing death or hurt) of the Pakistan Penal Code, in conjunction with Sections 13 (penalty for breaching sections 4, 5, 8 and 11), 20 (power to confiscate), and 65 of the Arms Ordinance, 1965. Sections 4, 5, 8, and 11 of the ordinance address the prohibition of the unlicensed sale and repair of firearms, the ban of their transportation, the prohibition of being armed without a license, and the authority to establish rules regarding permits. On July 19, the court issued an arrest warrant for the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to his failure to appear before the judge in connection with the same case. However, on July 29, following the Chief Minister’s appearance in court, the arrest warrant was rescinded. The court recognized that his duties as chief minister had impeded his ability to attend. On that same day, outside the courtroom, Gandapur spoke to the media and characterized the case as “politically motivated.”

Apple Unveils iPhone 17 Air
International, Technology

Apple Unveils iPhone 17 Air | AI Features & Global Tariff Impact

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The Silicon Valley powerhouse conducted its annual iPhone release event amidst increasing pressures: the White House is urging the company to lessen its reliance on Chinese manufacturing, while investors are questioning whether Apple is genuinely prepared for the AI era. Compounding these difficulties, the company is encountering challenges from President Donald Trump’s elevated tariff policies. Since the Republicans assumed office in January, Apple shares have declined by more than three percent. In light of this situation, Apple is wagering on a product that it anticipates will ignite a super-cycle of iPhone purchases and reverse the trend of customers retaining their devices for longer periods before upgrading. “The event illustrates Apple navigating around the core of the AI arms race while establishing itself as a long-term innovator in the AI hardware sector, focusing on silicon and device-level integration,” stated Emarketer analyst Gadjo Sevilla. To rejuvenate its brand, Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 Air, which CEO Tim Cook described as “a total game changer.” Measuring just 5.6mm thick (less than a quarter inch), the $999 device is equipped with Apple’s new A19 Pro processor — the most powerful iPhone chip to date — and promises all-day battery life with up to 40 hours of video playback. The Air is added to Apple’s more conventional lineup, which includes the premium iPhone Pro 17, the company’s most costly and highest-performing model. While all new devices feature generative AI technology, Apple did not make any significant announcements regarding the expansion of its AI capabilities beyond updates to existing features in its “Apple Intelligence” suite. The company’s AI initiative has struggled to gain momentum since the launch of “Apple Intelligence” late last year. Users have expressed particular disappointment with enhancements to Siri, which remains surprisingly basic despite years of commitments. Apple is reportedly planning to incorporate AI into online search next year and revamp Siri, although the company has not verified these claims. The tech giant is also rumored to be collaborating with Google to leverage its search capabilities. In order to effectively distinguish itself and outperform its competitors, Apple must successfully implement AI as a new contextual user interface on its devices,” stated Forrester analyst Thomas Husson in a recent note. “The execution of such an ambitious AI strategy will require time. It is unlikely to materialize before next year, potentially coinciding with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027,” he further commented. Transition to iPhone Air Industry analysts view the iPhone Air as a strategic shift, with Apple emphasizing an ultra-thin design — rather than larger screens — as its new premium selling feature. The ultra-slim design may also set the stage for Apple’s long-anticipated foldable iPhone, which is expected to debut as soon as next year. Competitors like Samsung and China’s Huawei have already launched foldable smartphones. Nevertheless, engineering such slender devices poses challenges: increased production costs and limited battery space, although Apple asserts that the iPhone 17 Air can achieve a 24-hour battery life when fully charged. Despite tariffs that elevate production costs, Apple has maintained the same pricing for the iPhone models compared to last year — a decision that could potentially pressure profit margins. Cook disclosed in July that Trump’s tariffs resulted in an $800 million cost to Apple in the last quarter, with an anticipated impact of $1.1 billion expected in the current quarter. Following the announcement of pricing details, Apple shares declined by 1.40%, reflecting investor apprehensions regarding the company’s capacity to sustain its profit margins. Additionally, Apple unveiled the AirPods Pro 3, which feature improved noise cancellation and real-time translation capabilities, alongside the Apple Watch Series 11, which boasts 5G connectivity, extended battery life, and heart health monitoring features pending regulatory approval. Published by NENAgency — delivering reliable news and informed perspectives

Israeli Airstrike Targets Hamas Leaders in Qatar, Ceasefire Talks at Risk
International, Military

Israeli Airstrike Targets Hamas Leaders in Qatar, Ceasefire Talks at Risk

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DOHA, Sept 9 (nenagency) – Israel launched an airstrike against Hamas leaders in Qatar on Tuesday, expanding its military actions that have ranged across the Middle East to include the Gulf Arab state where the Palestinian Islamist group has long had its political base. Qatar, which has acted as a mediator alongside Egypt in talks on a ceasefire in the almost two-year-old war in Gaza, condemned the attack as “cowardly” and called it a flagrant violation of international law. Two Hamas sources told Reuters that Hamas officials in the ceasefire negotiating team survived the attack, which followed an evacuation order in Gaza City where Israel is waging an offensive to try to destroy the group and its military capabilities in the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials told Reuters the strike was aimed at top Hamas leaders including Khalil al-Hayya, its exiled Gaza chief and top negotiator. The attack took place shortly after Hamas’ armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for a shooting that killed six people at a bus stop on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Monday. The assault is likely to deal a serious, if not fatal, blow to efforts to reach a ceasefire, especially since negotiations took place in the Gulf Arab country Qatar. The United Arab Emirates, which normalised relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords in 2020, called the Israeli attack on Doha “blatant and cowardly”. Abu Dhabi was already angry over an Israeli minister’s plan for annexation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, saying that was a red line that cannot be crossed. Regional power Saudi Arabia denounced what it called a “brutal Israeli aggression” against Qatar’s sovereignty. AMBULANCES GATHER AROUND ATTACK SITE The Israeli military, meanwhile, issued evacuation orders for residents of Gaza City, causing panic and confusion, after Israel said it was about to obliterate the area in an assault to wipe out Hamas. Residents of Gaza’s biggest urban area, home to a million Palestinians before the war, have been expecting an onslaught for weeks, since the Israeli government devised a plan to deal Hamas a fatal blow in what it says are the group’s last strongholds. Several blasts were heard in Qatar’s Doha, Reuters witnesses said. Plumes of black smoke were billowing from the city’s Legtifya petrol station. Next door to the petrol station is a small residential compound that has been guarded by Qatar’s Emiri Guard 24 hours a day since the beginning of the Gaza conflict. Ambulances and at least 15 police and unmarked government cars thronged the streets around the blast site an hour after the strike. Israel has killed several top Hamas leaders since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has also launched airstrikes and other military action in Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Yemen in the course of the Gaza conflict. In Lebanon, it attacked the heavily armed Iran-backed group Hezbollah and in Yemen it launched airstrikes on the Iran-aligned Houthi group. Both groups have launched strikes on Israel during the Gaza conflict. T

Consumers face better expenses of flour, roti across country
Domestic, Food

Consumers face better expenses of flour, roti across country

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KARACHI: Following a surge in sugar expenses, consumers are actually dealing with better charges for flour and roti throughout diverse parts of Pakistan as wheat and flour fees hold to rise. In Karachi, tandoor operators have raised the price of numerous roti types with the aid of a median of Rs2 per piece, a good way to especially effect low- and center-income groups, in particular every day salary earners and the labor force, who typically rely on ingesting their meals at neighborhood eateries. The sharp upward thrust in prices is clear in branded flour, with some millers elevating the cost of a five-kilogram bag of exceptional flour to Rs700, up from Rs500 on Aug 1 and Rs600 on Sept 1, notwithstanding the appearance of the brand new wheat crop in advance this year. Retailers report that big-scale investors are probable profiting from the rise in charges, taking advantage of the better demand for old flour shares. Some marketplace analysts trust the continued wheat disaster is unrelated to the current floods in Punjab and other areas, as the brand new wheat crop became harvested in March/April. However, hoarders, stockists, and buyers are reportedly preserving extensive wheat shares, waiting for further charge hikes pushed by supply and call for dynamics. Salman Mian Araieen, a member of the All Sindh Sheermal Tandoor Roti Association, stated that tandoor operators who were previously promoting naan at Rs22 and Rs23 in line with piece (weighing a hundred and eighty grams) have now raised charges to Rs25. Additionally, the fee of chapati has extended through Rs2 according to piece, reaching Rs14-15, up from Rs11-12. Some tandoor owners have refrained from passing on the whole impact of rising flour charges, expecting a capacity reversal in flour charges. According to Araieen, the fee of fifty kg of exceptional atta has risen by way of Rs1,900 in just a month, now costing Rs5,700 consistent with bag, up from Rs3,800. Despite the upward thrust in flour costs, the costs of sheermal and taftan have remained unchanged, whilst sugar costs climbed to Rs200 consistent with kg from Rs180, and the price of a 16kg tin of ghee surged to Rs7,900 from Rs6,500 in latest months. Currently, sheermal and taftan are priced at Rs70-ninety according to piece, relying on weight and first-class. If flour costs continue to upward push, an extra Rs10 in line with piece can be delivered to those objects. Some tandoor owners are reportedly thinking about discontinuing the sale of Rs20 naan (weighing one hundred forty-a hundred forty five grams), because the charge now not covers their prices. Araieen mentioned that the rate of a 40kg wheat bag, which has now reached Rs3,943 (Rs9,857 in step with 100kg), is the highest recorded in 72 weeks, last seen in April 2024. Published by NENAgency — delivering reliable news and informed perspectives

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